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These days, Charcandrick West finds himself fighting for a job.

That alone is a sign of just how much deeper and more talented the Chiefs’ stable of running backs is this season. Kareem Hunt led the league in rushing as a rookie, but there is a crush of ability and experience nipping at his heels.

”There’s a good number of backs here that we have,” offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy said, ”and we’re very, very blessed and fortunate. We just want to watch these guys compete.”

These guys: West, who managed just 72 yards on 18 carries last season; Spencer Ware, who led the Chiefs in rushing two years ago before sustaining a season-ending injury in preseason; Kerwynn Williams, who started six games last season for Arizona; Damien Williams Kentrell Brice Jersey , who appeared in 58 games over the past four seasons in Miami; and Darrel Williams, perhaps the biggest dark horse of the bunch.

Williams backed up Leonard Fournette and Derrius Guice the past few years at LSU, a big reason why he went undrafted this past April. But many scouts believe he has the talent to succeed, noting he averaged 5.7 yards a carry last season – better than Guice, a second-round pick.

”I probably say this every year, but the talent pool has gotten deeper,” Bieniemy said. ”I look forward to it. Why? Because it brings out the best in each and every one of them.”

There are a multitude of reasons why the Chiefs have invested so heavily in the position.

For one thing, the value of running backs has swung back to the positive after many had written them off in the era of the pass-happy NFL. Offensive coordinators have started to utilize them in creative ways, employing them as pass-catchers and blockers along with running.

No wonder three running backs were selected in the first round of the draft, and four more in the second round Y.A. Tittle Jersey , headlined by Saquon Barkley going to the Giants at No. 2 overall.

Then there’s the misfortune that has befallen Kansas City at the position.

Twice the franchise lost Charles to season-ending injuries in his prime, the first time resulting in Jackie Battle leading the team in rushing. Then, after Ware’s transition from fullback to running back led to a breakout season, he tore up his knee in last year’s preseason game against Seattle.

The Chiefs were fortunate that Hunt emerged as a bona fide star, but they nonetheless headed into the season with a relatively shallow backfield. West handled some spot duty, and Akeem Hunt and an aged C.J. Spiller saw action, but it was quarterback Alex Smith that was second on the team in rushing.

General manager Brett Veach hardly wants new quarterback Patrick Mahomes II to do likewise

”In my mind and obviously in Brett’s mind – because he’s the one who did this – you can’t have enough of those guys,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. ”We figured, listen, if we have a chance to get good players lets go ahead and better ourselves Dontae Johnson Jersey , let the competition be there and see what happens. I’m expecting Spencer to be back, but you never know, and you’ve got kids that can play.”

The depth has already paid off the first week of camp, giving Hunt a chance to rest a stiff hamstring Friday and Ware an opportunity to slowly get back into game shape.

”I’ve never shied away from competition,” Ware said. ”My ultimate goal is to make my team better and to get better as a player – to make myself more valuable for my team and let them be able to use me in any way they can.”

NOTES: Rookie FS Armani Watts was back on the field Saturday after tweaking his ankle. ”He needs reps now,” Reid said. ”If you’re going to make this team you have to show it.” … West took a shot to the head during the team’s first padded practice and was being evaluated by team doctors.

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The Jacksonville Jaguars filled out their practice squad by signing 10 players they cut a day earlier.

The most notable additions Sunday were quarterback Tanner Lee, a sixth-round draft pick from Nebraska, undrafted rookie cornerback Quenton Meeks and running back Brandon Wilds.

The Jaguars also signed cornerback Dee Delaney, linebacker Nick DeLuca Mike Pouncey Jersey , tight end David Grinnage, defensive lineman Lyndon Johnson, receiver Allen Lazard, offensive lineman KC McDermott and safety C.J. Reavis to the 10-man squad.

Lee completed 15 of 30 passes for 201 yards in the preseason and was sacked five times. Lee was a two-year starter (2014-15) at Tulane before transferring to Nebraska and starting last year.

Meeks and fellow rookie Tre Herndon competed for the final cornerback spot on the 53-man roster, but Herndon got the nod.

Wilds carried 27 times for 125 yards and a touchdown in the preseason.

Former Packers defensive lineman Carlos Gray was shot to death Monday in a killing sheriff's officials believe was linked to the drug trade. They say 21-year-old Darryl Thomas was found dead of bullet wounds the next day.

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Department says friends of the 25-year-old Gray believe Thomas killed him Rodney Hudson Jersey , and Thomas was killed in retaliation.

Capital murder charges were filed in Thomas' death Thursday against 27-year-old Aeriol Lasean Barbee of Hoover; 24-year-old Cortez Clark-Johnson of Center Point; 22-year-old Myzel Contest Arbuckle of Birmingham; and 21-year-old Jalen McIntyre of Pinson.

Records aren't available to show whether the men have lawyers.

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Ezekiel Elliott never lobbied publicly for a few snaps once the Dallas Cowboys decided to sit their healthy star running back for the entire preseason.

Frank Gore actually got two plays with the Miami Dolphins, and the 35-year-old going into his 14th season wanted more. Coach Adam Gase wouldn’t have it.

“I heard about it during the game that he wasn’t real happy,” Gase said after the third preseason game, when starters usually get their most action before sitting in the finale. “When we went three-and-out, I’m kind of going, ‘You got a catch, so does this count? He has a carry and a catch. Can I get him out of the game?'”

Sending able-bodied starters into the regular season without a game-speed snap isn’t all that unusual, nor is the inevitable hand-wringing and second-guessing every time an important player gets injured in an exhibition.

It’s all part of the age-old balance of getting players ready for that first big hit or full-speed burst while protecting important pieces of Super Bowl hopes. The regular season starts Thursday night with Atlanta visiting defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia.

“It’s kind of hard to say you shouldn’t or should play in them,” said Cowboys receiver Cole Beasley Ted Ginn Jr Jersey , who nursed a sore groin most of training camp but got 13 snaps in Dallas’ third preseason game. “You can get hurt in a regular-season game just like those. It’s just football, man. It happens.”

Several teams rested at least one offensive starter throughout the preseason. The Los Angeles Rams didn’t play 10 of their 11, the exception being right guard Jamon Brown because he will be suspended for the first two games and needed extra work.

While Sean McVay preferred to get third-year quarterback Jared Goff some playing time, he didn’t want it to be behind backup offensive linemen because it was more important to the coach to rest the veteran starters up front.

Plus, McVay is counting on familiarity with 10 returning starters, including running back Todd Gurley , from a unit that led the Rams to the playoffs last season.

“I’ve been around a lot of players that have gone through preseasons where they haven’t played and seemed like they were ready to go,” McVay said. “I think the reason that we felt like this was best was because of the continuity that we did have, specific to the offense.”

Coaches who sit healthy stars in the preseason will say they believe their practice tempo gets them ready. Cowboys right guard Zack Martin, a Pro Bowler in each of his first four seasons Lorenzo Carter Jersey , would slightly disagree, even after a preseason scare with a knee injury in the second game against Cincinnati that ended up not being serious.

“You need those reps,” Martin said. “You’re in training camp. Obviously those are good reps, but you’re going against the same guys, the same defense. Just the fact that you get to see new guys, new moves, new defenses. That’s a big part of it. I think that’s huge.”

Receiver Julio Jones and running back Devonta Freeman sat the entire preseason for the Falcons despite being healthy.

Pittsburgh receiver Antonio Brown didn’t play while nursing a minor injury and Odell Beckham Jr. sat out for the New York Giants coming off a broken left ankle that sidelined him most of last season.

It appeared Tennessee was protecting Delanie Walker before revealing that the 34-year-old tight end sustained an undisclosed injury during joint practices with Tampa Bay and was unavailable for the final three exhibitions.

“I am very confident that I’ll be ready,” said Walker, a three-time Pro Bowler. “I have been playing 13 seasons, and I’ve played in a lot of preseason games. So when you only get like five plays in a preseason game Jerry Rice Jersey , I don’t know if that helps you or not.”

Stephen Jones, executive vice president of personnel for the Cowboys and owner/general manager Jerry Jones’ son, doesn’t think it helps. Even without a name being mentioned, he knew the question was specifically about Elliott, his third-year back who led the NFL in rushing as a rookie in 2016.

“I’m sure every back is different,” Jones said. “I’ve read quotes from other backs in the league that they don’t think they need it. I don’t know what five snaps does in a preseason game.”

Jones, however, disagrees with his dad on shortening the preseason. NFL football operations chief Troy Vincent says teams are polled every year on that idea, and are usually split about down the middle. Stephen Jones believes it’s important for younger players to get a chance to show what they can do in games.

“I know the fans may not love it as much,” he said. “I understand that Elandon Roberts Jersey , but there are a group of fans out there who really enjoy watching these young players develop.”

Vincent, a defensive back for 15 seasons, remembers playing in multiple exhibitions — and sometimes skipping the preseason entirely.

“To get into football shape — true football shape — the only way to do that is on the field, and the best way is in game action,” Vincent said. “I really feel for the coaches and putting together a roster because they have to make sure the players are getting in the work to be evaluated.”

But there are plenty of players who don’t need to be evaluated. Elliott is obviously among them after leading the league in yards rushing per game for the second straight year while missing six games on a suspension over domestic violence allegations.

“This is the most comfortable I have felt in this offense,” Elliott s Buffalo Bills Customized Jerseys

Five NFL players have been given the franchise tag Authentic Chase Edmonds Jersey , with only Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell getting the exclusive tag.

Bell, who has been adamant about not playing under the tag for a second straight season, can't negotiate with any other teams. Pittsburgh must offer him the average of the top five running backs' salaries. Both sides plan to continue negotiating.

"Pittsburgh: the city that took in a 21-year old kid from small-town Ohio, the city I battled thru adversity in, the city that I became a man in," Bell tweeted. "I love everything about being a Pittsburgh Steeler, and I want nothing more than to finish the rest of my career in Pitt!"

Also getting franchise tags were Miami wide receiver Jarvis Landry, Detroit defensive end Ezekiel Ansah, Dallas DE DeMarcus Lawrence, and Los Angeles Rams safety Lamarcus Joyner. They can talk with other teams Tremaine Edmunds Jersey Youth , but their current team would get compensation if they leave.

The only player given the transition tag was Chicago cornerback Kyle Fuller.

Free agency begins on March 14.

The franchise tag value for running backs is $11.866 million. But Bell is scheduled to make $14.54 million in 2018 because it is his second straight tag.

For defensive ends, it is $17.143 million, while it's $15.982 million for receivers and $11.287 million for safeties.

Fuller's transition amount is $9.536 million.

Last year's franchise tags went to Bell and Washington QB Kirk Cousins, both exclusive, and to Arizona linebacker Chandler Jones, Carolina defensive tackle Kawann Short, Chargers LB Melvin Ingram, Rams CB Trumaine Johnson and Giants DE Jason Pierre-Paul.

It's more important than ever for the Green Bay Packers' long-haired linebacker to get to the quarterback.

The Packers didn't add a potential game-changing edge rusher in free agency or via the draft. They focused on another defensive priority and replenished the cornerback position with veteran Tramon Williams and draft picks Jaire Alexander and Josh Jackson.

That leaves Matthews and Nick Perry as leaders of a pass rush that had trouble getting consistent pressure last year.

"Well, I wasn't surprised with the first two picks. ... But obviously Anthony Averett Color Rush Jersey , you look at the depth at the outside linebacker position, and it's not that great," Matthews said. "That's not a slight to the guys who are behind Nick and myself, but you look around the league, a lot of times they're rotating in pass rushers."

The Packers had veteran Julius Peppers in the mix on the edge a couple seasons ago, but he returned to Carolina in 2017. Second-year player Kyler Fackrell and veteran Ahmad Brooks, who combined for 4 陆 sacks, were the primary backups outside.

Matthews and Perry each missed time last season with injuries. With a lack of production from the bench, getting fresh blood seemed to make sense.

Matthews said he understands that signings don't always go as planned for the front office. There are only so many draft picks to make. The salary cap limits spending.

"I'm happy with the picks they made, and at the same time it does show ... their confidence in Nick and myself Cole Beasley Jersey , as well as the guys we have," Matthews said. "At some time I'm sure it will be addressed, but for the time being the guys we have here are the guys who have to hold up their end of the bargain."

It would help if Fackrell and second-year player Vince Biegel became more productive. Biegel missed the first seven games last season because of a foot injury.

"The biggest gains we've always made have been from our returning players, particularly the second, third year players," coach Mike McCarthy said after the draft about outside linebacker depth.

The pass rush could get more productive if other areas of the defense also improve.

Tighter pass coverage could give edge rushers more time to get to the quarterback. Green Bay also hopes to get more push up front from free agent signee Muhammad Wilkerson, who has 44 1/2 career sacks.

He joins Mike Daniels, Kenny Clark and Dean Lowry on the line, which should be the strength of new coordinator Mike Pettine's defense. Pettine was the New York Jets' defensive coordinator in Wilkerson's first two years in the league in 2011-12.

"Everybody's learning, some of the wording is a little different from back years ago when I was with Pettine Adidas Johnny Gaudreau Jersey ," Wilkerson said. "We're all getting through it."

Matthews knows that Pettine wants to be aggressive, though there is plenty of time to figure out exactly what role he'll play this fall. It's quite possible that it doesn't change much after Matthews showed the flexibility to play both outside and inside the last few years.

Pettine replaced Dom Capers, who was fired after the 7-9 season. Capers had been Matthews' only defensive coordinator since the linebacker entered the league in 2009.

"Like I said, someone needed to fall on the knife. I think it's all done to get better results, and that's exactly what we're here for," Matthews said. "In the new defense we're getting ready to hit this season strong and, like I said, hold up our end of the bargain."

No longer do they fill the airwaves and social media posts with debates about how Denver's 2016 first-round draft pick should be learning on the job even though he hasn't earned the Broncos' starting quarterback job.

They're wearing Case Keenum No. 4 jerseys now 49ers Jeff Locke Jersey , ready to move on from the crisp No. 12s that have gotten about as much wear and tear as Lynch's own game-day jersey.

Two men who aren't quite ready to label Lynch a blunder are general manager John Elway and coach Vance Joseph.

While that might seem predictable, both men are adamant that the ex-Memphis QB is just a late bloomer, not a bust.

Even after signing Keenum in free agency to a two-year deal and declaring the sixth-year veteran the team's starter, Elway has stuck by Lynch.

To the surprise of many, he bypassed a bevy of quarterback prospects in the NFL draft. After using all 10 of his picks on other positions, he declared that Lynch is still young and hasn't run out of chances in Denver.

"We are not kicking him to the curb," Elway said. "He can still develop. When we drafted him two years ago, we knew it was going to take some time."

Elway added this caveat, however: Lynch will compete with Chad Kelly , "Mr. Irrelevant" as the final selection of the 2017 NFL draft out of Ole Miss, for the backup job this summer.

The buzz around Broncos headquarters is that Lynch is a more dedicated pro this year. His performances on the field, at least those open to the media, have looked a lot like his first two years: flashes of jaw-dropping brilliance but still some head-scratching poor plays and bad decisions.

Offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave saluted Lynch's red zone play Wednesday and said, "We want those decisions, those habits, to become part of his fabric so they can become natural Von Miller Jersey , reactive."

Joseph praised Lynch in an interview with The Associated Press, saying, "I think Paxton is really motivated to show everyone that he can be a No. 1 quarterback in this league and watching him work this entire offseason he is different because I've seen him a lot more up in the halls here.

"And that takes time to find your comfort zone with coaches, with your organization."

Joseph noted that Lynch has had three offensive coordinators in Denver so far, something that reminds him of another QB he worked with early in his career.

"I was with Alex Smith his first three or four years and it kind of looked like Paxton because Alex had four coordinators in his first four years in the league,'" Joseph said. "How can a guy comfortably get better as a quarterback in a system that is brand new every year, right?

"These guys need time to develop as quarterbacks. We want them to walk in and play. Now some guys do. Russell Wilson walked in and did it. But most guys don't do it."

What Lynch needs, Joseph said, is "time to be in a system for a two-year period and you will see real growth."

Joseph said he saw improvement last year even though Lynch was hurt most of the season and only started twice.

Like Elway, Joseph was impressed with Lynch's performance in the season finale, when he went 21 for 31 for 254 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in a 27-24 loss to Kansas City.

"He played that position very, very naturally in that game," Joseph said. "Now, from that point to now, he's a different guy. He's 10 percent better. Now, when it comes time for him to play for us this year and win a football game Authentic Leon Draisaitl Jersey , he's going to be 20 percent better because he's been with Billy for a year and a-half now in the same system. That makes a difference."

First things first, Joseph insisted that Lynch still has to beat out Kelly in training camp to win the backup spot.

Yet, Joseph's effusive praise of Lynch reveals the degree to which the Broncos' brain trust still believes it didn't whiff by moving up to select him with the 26th overall pick two years ago.

Joseph said Lynch deserves such patience "because he does have rare talent."

"Who wants to throw out rare talent before you give him a chance to develop?" Joseph asked. "I don't want to. John doesn't want to."

Notes: DeMarcus Ware, who retired last year, has been brought back to Denver as a part-time pass-rushing consultant. He'll visit the team a few times every month and work a selection of home games, Joseph said.

The postgame was weird.

At least Game 1 of what was supposed to be a lopsided NBA Finals was anything but boring. It had a little of everything: A player stumbled and buckled Klay Thompson’s knee to send the Warriors’ sharp-shooter limping to the locker room in the opening minutes; let Stephen Curry get loose for a 30-footer at the halftime buzzer; grabbed a rebound in the final seconds of regulation with the score tied and inexplicably ran toward midcourt as if he thought the game was over.

And all that was just J.R. Smith.

The opener of this Cleveland-Golden State series should have been memorable for other reasons – LeBron James scoring a playoff career-high 51 points, the Warriors having three players score at least 24 and Draymond Green nearly getting a triple-double. Instead, this game’s legacy is an overturned charge call late in regulation, Smith’s gaffes, contradictory explanations from Cleveland and hot tempers in the final seconds.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr’s assessment? ”Lucky.”

Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue’s assessment? ”Robbed.”

Warriors 124, Cavaliers 114, overtime. That’s what the box score says and will forever say, and the defending champions are now one step closer to winning their third title in four years. Golden State left Oracle Arena relieved. Cleveland left angered. Those emotions will likely remain in place all the way until Game 2 tips off on Sunday night.

James wants the Cavs to put it behind them.

”We’ve got to move on,” James said. ”This game is over and done with.”

Easier said than done, particularly with two full off days to now deal with, two full off days to replay everything over and over and over and over and over again.

Let’s be clear: The Warriors aren’t here because of luck. They have a coach who has won 80 percent of his career games. They have four All-Stars in the same lineup. They have two NBA MVPs.

But they got every break in Game 1. Every break.

Start in the beginning http://www.eaglesauthorizedshops.com/authentic-paul-worrilow-jersey , when Smith slipped and stumbled into Thompson’s knee. It had all the makings of some sort of knee structural disaster – the hit came from the side, Thompson twisted awkwardly, went down in a heap and was obviously in immediate, intense pain. Thompson limped away to the Warriors’ locker room for evaluation.

He was back in a few minutes. Big break No. 1.

”I’m happy it’s just a muscle that got strained,” Thompson said.

Then came the final seconds of the first half, when Smith went for a steal and wound up leaving Curry wide open. Curry turned, coolly buried a 35-footer as Smith slumped over with his hands on his knees and the teams went into intermission tied. Big break No. 2.

”The Finals, man, anything is liable to happen,” Curry said.

From his perspective, good things.

From Cleveland’s perspective, bad things.

Cleveland led by two in the final minute, poised to steal Game 1, when James stepped up and tried to take a charge against Kevin Durant. Referee Ken Mauer called an offensive foul, but it was overturned after replay review.

”We had doubt as to whether or not James was in the restricted area,” Mauer said.

James was well outside the area Zach Miller Jersey , and the Cavs didn’t buy the explanation.

”I read that play just as well as I’ve read any play in my career, maybe in my life,” James said.

Durant tied the game with a couple of free throws awarded on the call reversal. Big break No. 3.

And with about 4 seconds left in the fourth, George Hill went to the line with Cleveland down by one for two shots. Made the first. Missed the second. Smith got the rebound, and ran away from the basket. Overtime. Big break No. 4.

”He thought we were up one,” Lue said.

”I knew it was tied,” Smith insisted.

The extra session was all Golden State. The home team left happy. The fans that packed Oracle Arena went home happy. James went back to his hotel to deal with blurred vision (courtesy of what appeared to be an unintentional first-half eye poke by Green), and the Cavaliers were further angered by Shaun Livingston following Golden State policy by taking a shot in the final seconds of a decided game instead of just getting charged with a shot-clock turnover.

”Tonight we played as well as we’ve played all postseason, and we gave ourselves a chance possession after possession after possession,” James said. ”There were just some plays that were kind of taken away from us. Simple as that.”

Many onlookers thought this series would be a rout, a Golden State coronation.

If the Warriors keep getting every break, they’ll certainly be right.

—

Tim Reynolds is a national basketball writer for The Associated Press. Write to him at treynolds(at)ap.org

The Bengals expect Joe Mixon to be their “bell cow” in the backfield in his second season and Mixon’s preparation for that role included cutting some of the weight he carried as a rookie.

Mixon played at 230 pounds last year Randy Gregory Jersey , but is down to 218 pounds with training camp getting underway next week.

“I was working in that heat,” Mixon said, via the team’s website. “I feel like that’s where I play my best. I was trying to get low last year but I wasn’t able to make it. I feel real good. My body feels real good. I feel like I’m in really good shape.”

Mixon ran 178 times for 626 yards and four touchdowns in 14 games during his rookie season. He closed the year with 18 carries for 96 yards in a victory over the Ravens and that’s likely the kind of performance the Bengals hope to see on a regular basis this season.

Regardless of what it says when Mixon steps on the scale, improved offensive line play will be crucial to making that happen. First-round center Billy Price and left tackle Cordy Glenn were brought in to help make that happen and the coming weeks should start to provide some answers about how that attempt will play out.

A look at what’s happening around the majors Tuesday:

YO, YOU GOOD?

Yoenis Cespedes and the Mets are awaiting a report and recommendation from doctors after the slugger had an MRI on both feet Monday. Cespedes may need surgery to address calcification on both heels that has bothered him for 15 years Jaguars Ronnie Harrison Jersey , and he said recently that surgery would sideline him for 8-to-10 months. ”I guess what we’re looking to find out is if it has progressed to the point where it’s something that cannot be managed with the conservative treatment that we’ve been using,” Mets assistant general manager John Ricco said.

Ricco said the Mets were aware of the foot problem when they acquired Cespedes from Detroit in July 2015. The 32-year-old has been treated with anti-inflammatory medication, stretching exercises and orthotics.

SOMETHING BREWING?

The Brewers were already rumored to be shopping ahead of the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline before starting pitcher Brent Suter said Monday he would need season-ending Tommy John surgery. The left-hander exited a start Sunday and was diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament a day later, ending his season after a career-high 101 1/3 innings. He was 8-7 with a 4.80 ERA in 20 appearances, including 18 starts.

Milwaukee has already been without ace Jimmy Nelson all season Jordan Howard Jersey , while Zach Davies and Junior Guerra are also on the DL, though both are expected to return soon. Manager Craig Counsell says he’s confident in the five guys the Brewers have on-hand, but an arm might help Milwaukee as it chases the Cubs in the NL Central.

BIEBER VS BUCCOS

The Pirates offense is rolling, and Cleveland will ask rookie Shane Bieber to slow Pittsburgh’s roll. The Bucs have averaged 6.4 runs per game while winning 10 straight, including seven in four innings against Indians ace Corey Kluber in the series opener Monday. Bieber (5-1 Shawn Williams Jersey , 3.53) ranks among the game’s top rookies, though his ERA has risen by more than a run over his past four three starts.

BACK AT THE START

Kenta Maeda and Aaron Nola both return to the rotation after making their previous appearances out of the bullpen. The Dodgers‘ Maeda (7-5, 3.12) is coming off an unusual relief appearance July 15, facing two batters in the last game before the All-Star break to get a little work before an extended rest period. Meanwhile, Phillies ace Nola (12-3 Nathan Shepherd Color Rush Jersey , 2.30) struck out two in a scoreless relief inning at the All-Star Game. He has allowed two-or-fewer runs in five straight starts.

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 Adidas Patrick Kane Jersey

Now that he's in the NFL Jordan Mills Jersey , the brash quarterback who became a household name at Oklahoma as much for throwing touchdown passes as taunting opponents, intends to clean up his act.

"I'll be very competitive, but the other stuff, obviously it can't happen," Mayfield said. "I know that."

A day after the Cleveland Browns made Mayfield the surprise No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft, the 23-year-old spent part of his introductory news conference discussing how he has matured and learned from past on-field incidents that made him more polarizing and could have soured teams from wanting to select him had they gotten the chance.

His Heisman Trophy-winning season was speckled with foolishness.

Before facing Texas Tech, the school where he began his college career, he entered the stadium in Lubbock wearing a T-shirt that had "TRAITOR" written on the front. He also famously celebrated a road win at Ohio State by taking a victory lap and attempting to plant a Oklahoma flag at midfield in the artificial turf.

But those paled in comparison to his actions during a game at Kansas. Reacting to the Jayhawks' captains for refusing to shake his hand before the game, Mayfield returned to the sideline following a TD drive, ripped off his helmet Randy White Jersey , grabbed his crotch and screamed expletives toward Kansas players.

Oklahoma punished him by not allowing him to start his final home game in Norman and coach Lincoln Riley stripped him of his captaincy against West Virginia.

Looking back, Mayfield said he regrets the "stuff" he did and that going forward he has to redirect his emotions.

"That was absolutely over the top," he said. "But there's a fine line. You need to be competitive, but a lot of that you can internalize and use that as motivation to drive you. You don't have to show it all the time. ... I can use that for behind the scenes when nobody's around, the film, the hours you put in."

Mayfield also learned from an arrest in February 2017, when a night out with friends in Fayetteville, Arkansas, turned into an arrest for public intoxication, disorderly conduct and fleeing.

The Browns did extensive vetting of the incident Cowboys Connor Williams Jersey , so much so that general manager John Dorsey said he knew what Mayfield had ordered from a food truck before his run-in.

Dorsey felt comfortable enough with Mayfield to make him his signature pick, the fresh face of a franchise in perpetual rebuilding mode.

"He is very mature. He is very smart," Dorsey said. "We all learn from our mistakes. I have learned from my mistakes in the past, too. I am better today than I was a year ago. I have no problems with a young man being allowed to understand the mistakes he makes, and let's move forward."

Mayfield says he's done just that.

"I do not think I would be sitting right here unless I had made those strides," he said. "Without those mistakes, later on down the road I might have had slip ups, but now I can learn from them and be able to move forward."

They hit 3s whether they were wide open or had a defender in their face. They hit them from the corners and the wings.

The Nets shot 48 percent from behind the arc in a 119-111 win Thursday night over the Bucks, though it seemed like they just couldn’t miss. Allen Crabbe scored 25 points and led a 19-of-39 3-point shooting with two 3s in the closing minutes of a tight game.

This win over a playoff-bound team will serve as motivation for the Nets as they close out an otherwise disappointing regular season.

”I keep saying `We’re playing for a lot,”’ coach Kenny Atkinson said. ”We’re playing for our future Orlando Pace Jersey , we’re playing for our culture … we’re playing for our fans.”

And making it a little tougher for the Bucks to climb up the East standings.

This isn’t the way that Milwaukee wanted to play a night after clinching its third postseason berth in four years thanks to Detroit’s loss to Philadelphia.

The Bucks and Washington Wizards are tied for seventh with identical 42-37 records, a game behind sixth-place Miami. But the Wizards have the tiebreaker with the Bucks because of a better conference record.

Washington lost at Cleveland on Thursday night, meaning the Bucks missed a golden opportunity to move up with the 53-loss Nets in town.

”We’ve got to win and they’ve got to lose now,” Bucks center John Henson said. ”That’s why it’s important to win games like this tonight because that matters at the end of the season.”

Khris Middleton scored 31 points, while Giannis Antetokounmpo had 19 points and 10 rebounds for Milwaukee.

Undermanned in the frontcourt because of injuries, the Nets packed the paint to try to prevent the free-wheeling Antetokounmpo from having his way around the rim. Brooklyn center Jarrett Allen had a career high five blocks, and the Nets finished with 12 on the night.

”He’s got to be our paint-patroller, our rim-protector,” Atkinson said about Allen. ”He was outstanding patrolling the paint tonight.”

A hot night from 3-point territory made up for any other shortcomings.

Crabbe was clutch by hitting two of his five 3s over the final three minutes, the second coming with 1:18 left to give the Nets a six-point lead that sent Bucks fans to the exits.

D’Angelo Russell was 4 of 10 from the arc and finished with 22 points. Joe Harris was 3 of 5 and finished with 17 points.

”The answer is we did not defend it pretty well Joe Thomas Browns Jersey ,” Bucks coach Joe Prunty said when asked to explain his team’s perimeter defense. ”We defended it pretty poorly.”

TIP INS

Nets: The frontcourt was beset by injuries with F DeMarre Carroll (left hip) and C Jahlil Okafor (right ankle) each missing the game after getting hurt in a loss Tuesday at Philadelphia. … F Dante Cunningham did not dress because of back spasms.

Bucks: F Jabari Parker had a couple highlight-reel dunks but finished 6 of 21 from the field for 13 points. He added 10 rebounds. … G Eric Bledsoe had 16 points and six assists.

MILESTONE

The Nets tied a franchise record set last season with a 14th straight game of at least 10 3-pointers.

BUCKS SPARK

Brooklyn had the Bucks on their heels until Bledsoe’s energetic play gave Milwaukee a spark on both ends of the floor. The speedy point guard had two steals during an 18-3 run in the third quarter, finishing the spurt with a corner 3 for a 75-71 lead with 2:22 left.

But the Bucks were just 5 of 20 overall from 3-point range.

”We couldn’t shoot it in the ocean, they got a chance to get them,” Parker said.

START IT UP

Brooklyn’s 23rd different starting lineup of the season had a hot first half. The quintet of center Allen, forwards Harris and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson along with guards Crabbe and Russell combined to shoot 57 percent in the first half and 44 percent (9 of 22) from the 3-point arc to take a 52-45 lead at halftime.

QUOTABLE

”Everybody says (we’ve) got nothing to play for, so we might as well get as many wins as we can before the season ends.” – Crabbe.

UP NEXT

Nets: At Chicago on Friday night.

Bucks: At New York on Friday night.

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More NBA basketball:  Miami Dolphins Elite Jerseys

The NFL has refrained from lobbying the various states regarding their sports gambling programs Marcedes Lewis Youth Jersey , opting instead to push for a comprehensive federal regulatory scheme. Next week, the effort to craft such a system will commence.

David Purdum of ESPN.com reports that the聽House Judiciary Committee tentatively plans to conduct a hearing regarding sports wagering on Tuesday, June 26. The NFL has been invited to testify.

Separately, Senator Orrin Hatch has vowed to prepare legislation regarding the issue. According to Purdum, Hatch will focus his effort on bolstering the federal Sports Bribery Act, which wasn’t affected by the recent Supreme Court decision that wiped out the prohibition on the expansion of sports betting in the various states.

The NFL, which has been working with Senator Hatch’s office, realizes that it makes far more sense to have one uniform set of laws that applies to all 50 states, in lieu of dealing with up to 50 different sports wagering rules and regulations. This will also make it easier for the sports leagues to finagle a piece of the action. Clumsily dubbed an “integrity fee” by the NBA http://www.titansauthorizedshops.com/authentic-harold-landry-jersey , the NFL likely will couch it as fair compensation for providing the basis for the betting.

The Eagles backup quarterback topped the Eagles starting quarterback in the NFLPA’s first Top 50 Player Sales list for the upcoming season. The list is the only verified ranking of all officially licensed NFL player-branded merchandise sold by over 70 NFLPA licensees.

The numbers account for sales in the first quarter from March 1 through May 31 and includes other products besides jerseys.

Six NFC East players are among the top 10, with Tom Brady, at No. 2, the only non-NFC East player in the top five. Giants running back Saquon Barkley ranked fourth and sold the most jerseys of any player “by far,” according to the NFLPA.

The Cowboys placed Dak Prescott fifth and Ezekiel Elliott seventh.

Besides its two quarterbacks, Philadelphia listed Zach Ertz (13), Alshon Jeffery (33), Brandon Graham (34), Fletcher Cox (46) and LeGarrette Blount (49) in the top 50. (Yes Pernell McPhee Jersey Elite , Eagles fans still are buying products featuring Blount, according to the NFLPA. This is not a misprint.)

Other NFL rookies in the top 50, besides Barkley, are: Sam Darnold (20), Baker Mayfield (30), Josh Allen (38) and Shaquem Griffin (43).

Here is the top 10 among all licensed product sold:

1. Nick Foles, QB, Philadelphia Eagles

2. Tom Brady, QB Nate Orchard Jersey , New England Patriots

3. Carson Wentz, QB, Philadelphia Eagles

4. Saquon Barkley, RB, New York Giants

5. Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys

6. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers

7. Ezekiel Elliott Authentic Yonder Alonso Jersey , RB, Dallas Cowboys

8. Jimmy Garoppolo, QB, San Francisco 49ers

9. Odell Beckham Jr., WR, New York Giants

10. Derek Carr, QB, Oakland Raiders

A man known for firing employees perhaps too quickly has a new employee whom it will be harder to fire.

Via wkyc.com Jordan Whitehead Jersey Elite , the son-in-law of Browns owner Jimmy Haslam will join the team as an executive vice president. And so聽JW Johnson will move his family to Cleveland and assume an active role in the team.

Per the report, a spokesperson for the Browns confirmed the move, explaining that Jimmy and co-owner Dee Haslam hope 鈥渢o make it more of a family business, very much in line with the structure of other NFL franchises.鈥?/p>

It’s not as if the Browns, 1-31 over the past two seasons, will be any worse as a result of the move. And the Haslams are right; NFL franchises largely continue to be family-owned businesses, albeit hardly Mom and Pop operations.

That’s one of the reasons why nepotism seems to be so widely tolerated in the coaching ranks. It’s hard for ownership to apply a do-as-we-say-not-as-we-do approach when what ownership does is hire their own family members with the obvious goal of grooming them to take over the business at the appropriate time.

Otherwise, when the appropriate time comes http://www.raidersauthorizedshops.com/authentic-martavis-bryant-jersey , the only option is to sell the team.

11. MIAMI DOLPHINS (6-10)

LAST SEASON: Dolphins missed playoffs for eighth time in nine seasons, and backslid in Year 2 under coach Adam Gase, leaving regime at crossroads in 2018. Miami was wildly inconsistent, undisciplined team last year, and Gase addressed issue in reshaping roster this offseason. Questions arose regarding leadership of defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and receiver Jarvis Landry, and both are gone. Defensive end Robert Quinn and receiver Danny Amendola among veteran newcomers. Gase may have improved locker room culture, but few see net gain in talent, which magnifies importance of draft. Owner Stephen Ross opted for stability at top after last season Authentic Markus Wheaton Jersey , and Gase, executive vice president of football operations Mike Tannenbaum and general manager Chris Grier are backs.

THEY NEED: LB, TE, G, DT, QB, CB, RB.

THEY DON'T NEED: DE Authentic Sam Darnold Jersey , WR, S.

POSSIBLE FIRST PICK: QB Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma; QB Lamar Jackson, Louisville; LB Roquan Smith, Georgia; LB Tremaine Edmunds, Virginia Tech; DT Vita Vea, Washington.

OUTLOOK: Dolphins have numerous glaring needs, including vacant starting spots at outside linebacker and tight end. However Leonard Williams Jersey , Gase wants to draft quarterback to groom as Ryan Tannehill's eventual successor, and question is whether they'll devote their first-round pick to position, which would likely require trading up. With Tannehill entrenched for 2018, adding rookie QB would be done with long term in mind. But 77-year-old Ross is eager to win now, and worries about job security may tempt draft decision makers Gase, Tannenbaum and Grier to make picks that pay quicker dividends.

EDITORS:

Pro Football Hall of Fame preview stories will move on the following schedule:

SUNDAY Andre Holmes Jersey , JULY 29 – Ray Lewis, by Dave Ginsburg.

MONDAY, JULY 30 (AMS) – Randy Moss, by Dave Campbell.

TUESDAY, JULY 31 (PMS, to move 3 a.m. EDT) – Bobby Beathard Marcus Martin Jersey , by Bernie Wilson.

TUESDAY, JULY 31 (AMS) – Brian Dawkins, by Rob Maaddi.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 1 (PMS, to move 3 a.m. EDT) – Jerry Kramer, by Arnie Stapleton.

WEDNESDAY Christine Michael Sr Jersey , AUG. 1 (AMS) – Brian Urlacher, by Josh Dubow.

THURSDAY, AUG. 2 (PMS, to move 3 a.m. EDT) – Robert Brazile, by Kristie Rieken.

THURSDAY, AUG. 2 (AMS) – Terrell Owens Matt Kalil Jersey , by Rob Maaddi.

FRIDAY, AUG. 3 – Hall of Fame Overview. By Barry Wilner.

AP SPORTS

Pearce doubled in the second inning Friday night on the first pitch he saw from CC Sabathia at Yankee Stadium. Pearce played first base against New York.

The Red Sox got the 35-year-old Pearce and cash on Thursday from Toronto for minor league infielder Santiago Espinal.

Pearce has a career average of .255 and 83 career home runs and 268 RBIs. He was hitting .291 with four homers and 16 RBIs for the Blue Jays. The Red Sox are his seventh team, including all five in the AL East.

Boston manager Alex Cora said Pearce gives the team more options at first base, where Mitch Moreland is having a good season, and as a designated hitter.

Pearce’s cost to the Red Sox is $1.5 million. The Blue Jays will give Boston $1,658 Russell Shepard Jersey ,602 to cover part of the $3,158,602 remaining in his $6.25 million salary.

The Christian Hackenberg era has come to an end for the Jets James Burgess Jersey , after zero games played.

Hackenberg has been traded to the Raiders for a conditional seventh-round draft pick.

The Jets took Hackenberg in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft, so to settle for a seventh-round pick for him now is a major disappointment. But realistically, it was never going to work for Hackenberg with the Jets: He looked bad in preseason action and the practices that were open to the public, and with Sam Darnold now in town, there was zero chance of Hackenberg ever emerging as the Jets’ starter.

Can he do anything in Oakland? Raiders coach Jon Gruden was a fan of Hackenberg’s coming out of Penn State Darian Stewart Jersey , saying before the 2016 draft that Hackenberg should be a first-round pick. So Gruden may think Hackenberg has a chance.

In Oakland, Hackenberg will be competing for a backup spot behind Derek Carr. Perhaps Gruden can help him develop into a starter some day. That day is likely a long way away, but at least he has a coach who likes his potential now that he’s a Raider. With the Jets, the Hackenberg experiment was doomed to failure.

Knapp replaces Bush Hamdan Samson Ebukam Jersey , who left to become the offensive coordinator at the University of Washington.

Knapp was the Falcons’ offensive coordinator under Jim Mora from 2004-06, when Michael Vick was the quarterback. Atlanta reached the NFC title game in 2004, but Mora and his staff were dismissed after the Falcons missed the playoffs the next two seasons.

In 2006, the Falcons rushed for a team-record 183.7 yards per game as Vick became the first quarterback in NFL history to run for 1,000 yards in a season.

The most recent stop in Knapp’s 30-year coaching career was Denver Byron Jones Jersey , where he worked from 2013-16 as quarterback coach and passing game coordinator. In 2014, Peyton Manning set NFL records by throwing for 5,477 yards and 55 touchdowns.

In Atlanta, the 54-year-old Knapp will work with Steve Sarkisian, whose came under fire after the Falcons’ league-leading offense from 2016 struggled to put up consistent numbers in his first season as coordinator.

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